Seven people were charred to death when a fire broke out in an embroidery unit in Howrah early on Monday morning.

Fire broke out in the building at around 4.45 am and six fire engines were rushed to the spot soon after, fire brigade officials said.

Seven charred bodies were recovered from the site after the fire was extinguished, they added.

The embroidery unit was situated inside a flour mill and the structure collapsed in the blaze, the officials said adding, fire fighters were looking for more bodies or survivors trapped under the structure.

The cause of the fire and the extent of damage was yet to be known, they said.